Breakfast bar ideas for small kitchen
Breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens: 10 coffee stations |
Are breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens on your kitchen remodel plans? They should be! If your kitchen is on the small side, a breakfast bar is the perfect solution, as it takes up far less space than a table and chairs and can double up as somewhere to prepare and present food.
Where to install one depends on the shape and layout of your kitchen, but you could incorporate a raised or dropped breakfast bar into your kitchen island, or add one to a peninsula or at the end of a worktop – there are so many smart kitchen ideas to consider.
Breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens
If you always wanted somewhere to indulge in a coffee morning, then you are in luck. Our breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens will provide even more inspiration and advice.
1. Group the essentials in a small space
(Image credit: Humphrey Munson)
‘In the flurry of action in the mornings before work and school, it makes complete sense to have your favorite breakfast items organized in one place to get the day off to an ordered, easy start,’ says Tom Howley, design director of Tom Howley .
He suggests including a tap that dispenses boiling water for making tea and filling a cafetiere – with small sink or drip tray – or to consider a built-in coffee machine. A deep counter with wall sockets for the toaster, juicer and milk frother, shelves for teas and coffees, boxes of cereal and jars of jam, and crockery are also useful.
2. Prioritize an efficient layout
(Image credit: Humphrey Munson)
‘Ideally, position the station close to where you will eat breakfast, whether it’s an island or table, and – if you can – out of the main cooking area of a small kitchen,’ advises Louisa Eggleston, creative director of Humphrey Munson .
‘This makes it quick to get another slice of toast, and also makes it easy to make a cup of coffee without getting in the way of someone at the oven or hob. The best breakfast cupboards always have a fridge nearby for milk, juice and butter.’
3. Opt for clever doors
(Image credit: DesignSpace London)
For ease of access to the cupboard’s contents, consider bi-fold doors that tuck back out of the way without obstructing other furniture, or tall cupboard doors which open and then slide into side ‘pockets’.
‘Pocket doors are particularly useful in high traffic areas of the kitchen or in long runs of furniture, where you need to be able to move freely from zone to zone without having to work your way around awkward doors during the morning rush,’ says Richard Atkins, managing director of DesignSpace London. ‘Simply pull the doors forward and closed, so that the contents are concealed when breakfast is over.’
4. Take size in consideration
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
‘The optimum size for a breakfast cupboard is 1400-1500mm wide, offering a good amount of storage and a pleasing look with perfectly-scaled panels for the doors, although a 900-1000mm single-doored cupboard also works well in narrower spaces,’ advises Richard Moore, design director of Martin Moore.
‘Also consider the height of what you wish to store on the counter, as this will dictate the placement of the shelves above. Finally, make sure that the countertop is deep enough to accommodate the appliances without having to move them around to close the cupboard doors.
’
5. Factor in space-saving solutions
(Image credit: H. Miller Bros.)
If you don’t have room for a full-size breakfast cupboard, consider a smaller solution, such as an area on a corner of the worktop tucked behind a pull-down shutter or lift-up door, or a pull-out shelf.
‘A slide-in and -out corner cabinet can be an “appliance garage”, making somewhere to put the toaster and coffee grinder that generally clutter up the worktop,’ says Howard Miller, director of H. Miller Bros. ‘It is easy to pull out the shelf during a busy breakfast time and then push it back into the cabinet and close the door.'
6. Invest in a dresser-style cupboard
(Image credit: Humphrey Munson)
In a busy kitchen used for entertaining, it makes sense to create an area for making breakfast and drinks away from the main cooking zone to avoid tripping over each other.
Here, a dresser-style cupboard has two sets of bi-fold doors: one set opens to reveal a toaster and coffee machine, the other a full bar.
Glazed shelves and a mirrored back included in the bar allow the light to flow softly through the cupboard for a touch of glamor.
7. Pick luxury materials for a small breakfast bar
(Image credit: Davide Lovati)
Anyone looking for small kitchen ideas will be relieved to know that breakfast bars can be super stylish even in a compact space. The best way to achieve this is by constructing yours from natural materials, such as exotic stone – whether real or lookalikes – matched with shapely bar stools.
Pretty up your bar with an enormous bouquet of flowers, glass decanters and leather stools. You'll wonder why you never had a special spot for breakfast before.
8. Hide your breakfast bar behind closed doors
(Image credit: Future)
A breakfast cupboard or coffee station – kept hidden behind closed doors – is particularly useful in a small kitchen, as it can be used to store all the things you need in one place, including cups, a coffee machine and biscuits.
Here, bi-fold wood kitchen cabinet doors make it easy to access the contents of the cupboard, while the space below could be used to include built-in drawers to store biscuits and cereals, ready to hand.
9. Incorporate an island overhang in a small space
(Image credit: Future)
If kitchen storage space is at a premium in your room, adding an island into the mix opens up a wealth of possibilities. When designing a kitchen island, be sure to think about incorporating an island overhang for perching, and consider its proximity to your kitchen countertop, which will play host a coffee maker, toaster and kettle – perfect for a morning brew.
10. Have a breakfast bar built-in
(Image credit: Searle and Taylor Winchester)
Creating a small breakfast station allows one person to make toast and coffee out of the way of the other in the main ‘working’ zone of a small kitchen. Set to one side of the kitchen, the cupboards above the counter house mugs, jams and cereals, while the drawers below are designed to store coffee pods, bread boards and bread.
Milk is in the adjacent integrated fridge, and a step or two behind is the boiling water tap for making hot drinks.
Can you put a breakfast bar in a small kitchen?
The short answer is yes, you can certainly install a breakfast bar in a small kitchen. A fully-functional breakfast bar has so many benefits for the whole family, and if you have the space it’s definitely worth considering, no matter the size of your kitchen.
What's more, a small breakfast bar will also function as another kitchen island for food prep – and as an area for indulging in your morning coffee or an afternoon tea.
How much space do you need for a small breakfast bar?
Before you start considering breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens, think: space.
Kitchen designer Neil Lerner recommends a minimum 30cm/12in overhang for a kitchen island, to give room for kitchen island seating ideas like bar stools. ‘It’s also important to allow enough room, say 60cm/24in, between the small breakfast bar and any wall behind it for easy access,’ he adds.
25 Small Yet Stylish Breakfast Bar Ideas
If you need a breakfast space but have absolutely no place for it, go for a small or even tiny breakfast bar located in your kitchen or somewhere close to it. How to organize such a small bar and where – look for ideas below!
Kitchen Island Breakfast Bar
If you have a kitchen island, you may use it for creating your breakfast bar space. It can be a raised countertop to use it for meals and drinks – just add a couple of stools and voila. Another idea is installing a round piece at the end of the counter to use it, its shape will highlight it a lot. The last but not least idea is using the kitchen island itself as a breakfast bar, when you aren’t cooking – such a great idea to save some space!
a floating round breakfast bar attached to the kitchen island and tall wooden stools are a great and cozy space
a kitchen island with a double countertop, a raised one is used as a breakfast or drink bar - a very smart idea to try
a minimalist white kitchen island with a raised breakfast bar counter and stools for meals and drinks is amazing
a raised up breakfast bar counter as a part of the kitchen island, rattan stools for comfortable sitting
a small breakfast bar attached to the kitchen island and a couple of metal stools for having meals and drinks here
a small neutral kitchen with dark stone countertops, a small raised breakfast countertop and wooden stools - the countertop can double as acooking surface
a tiny white kitchen with a raised breakfast bar counter and black stools plus black pendant lamps is super chic
an industrial wooden bar attached to the kitchen island plus matching stools plus copper pendant lamps over it
Other Breakfast Bars
A tiny kitchen supposes a smart solution, and a folding table or countertop is one of these.
Such a countertop can be folded when not in need and the stools will be just standing around. Your countertop can be not folding but just wall-mounted, so you’ll be able to use this surface for cooking or storage when you aren’t having a meal there. A pony wall in the kitchen with a floating breakfast bar countertop or just such a countertop somewhere near the kitchen is another idea for rocking it without taking space from the kitchen. Get more clever ideas below!
a breakfast bar with a wall-mounted table and industrial stools - just fold the table when not needed
a floating black table with a couple of stools is what you need for a small kitchen, this space can be also used for drinks
a floating breakfast bar with a comfy shelf over it can double as a kitchen island, which is very functional
a floating raw edge tabletop plus bright orange stools form a stylish and chic breakfast bar that inspires
a cozy, modern, farmhouse kitchen design
a neutral modern kitchen with ivory cabinets and a grye subway tile backsplash, a folding bar counter and blakc upholstered stools
a pony wall with a floating bar counter attached, tall vintage stools to form a breakfast space or a working one
a round floating breakfast bar that can be used both for meals and working, and its design is amazing
a small breakfast bar formed with a large metal and wood cart, black stools - you can move the cart anytime
a small minimalist breakfast bar with a wall-mounted countertop, a built-in oven for warming up sandwiches and black stools
a small minimalist kitchen with a raised breakfast bar counter and a couple of comfy chairs plus pendant lamps is cool
a small Scandinavian kitchen with a floating wooden breakfast or drink bar that can double as a cooking surface
a tiny breakfast bar with a wooden floating tabletop and some comfy stools is a small and cozy idea for many kitchens
a tiny Scandinavian kitchen with a small tabletop and wooden stools for using them as a breakfast bar
a wall-mounted oak bar with bar counter with seating is ideal for meals of any kind and even working there
a wooden wall-mounted kitchen bar counter with black stools can be used for drinks and meals here
an industrial bar counter with crate storage, tall metal stools and floating shelves over the bar
how to make the kitchen even more comfortable (real photos)
Let's consider design options for a modern kitchen, if 2 conditions are set: the kitchen itself is small, but it must have a bar counter.
Contents
Design of a small kitchen with a breakfast bar
It is necessary to design the kitchen space in such a way that it would be comfortable, technological and beautiful, that is, tastefully decorated in any of the interior styles.
If you approach the problem constructively, even a small kitchen can successfully fit a compact bar counter. Moreover, a well-thought-out option with a stand can be just a godsend in conditions of limited space.
Most likely, the classic version will have to be abandoned. Numerous cabinets and shelves, a wide tabletop in a cramped room simply will not fit.
Apparently, the island version will not work either, although this is a moot point. Sometimes it is possible to work out the organization of space in a small kitchen so much that the island located in the middle is loaded with many functions and is by no means a hindrance.
The most acceptable ways to arrange a bar counter
1.
High classic stand with only the top and support. Bar stools hide under it and do not take up space. And if they are made of transparent plastic, they will become “incorporeal”: if they are not sitting on them, then they allegedly do not exist at all.
2. The rack can be attached to the wall and located under hanging cabinets. This way you can make good use of the space. Under the cabinet, above the counter, you can place holders for glasses or narrow shelves. Sitting at such a counter, however, will have to face the wall - but what to do? Sometimes it just doesn't work the other way.
3. A very common option is to combine the bar counter with some surface. This is either a window sill or a work surface on which the hostess cooks.
The option with a window sill can be an excellent substitute for a dining table, especially since now you will not have a blank wall in front of your eyes, but a live view from the window.
Tip! It is useful to install local lighting above the bar counter, even with changing colors. This will enrich the interior and create a more interesting atmosphere in the evening kitchen.
Will a bar counter replace a dining table in a small kitchen, and what is better
What is better is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Let's discuss both possibilities.
1. Option one: the kitchen has a dining table, but no bar. This is a common situation, the difference is only in the shape and size of the table, and even in its location.
The dining table is used for dining and as an auxiliary work surface when the hostess gets down to her daily business.
2. Option two: there is no dining table in the kitchen, but there is a bar counter. Behind her, the family eats and drinks, she also performs auxiliary functions.
As you can see, the purpose of the dining table and the bar in a small kitchen is exactly the same.
The question is which of the options is more convenient.
Additional factors come into play here. If a bachelor or a family of two adults lives in the apartment, then the second option is more preferable, since the counter takes up less space than a dining table. She is a desirable attribute, and the owners are happy to sit behind her.
Another thing is when a family has kids or people of respectable age. Children, of course, will be happy to climb onto high bar stools, but they also fall off them willingly.
People of the older generation, as a rule, do not welcome such innovations, especially since they do not want to climb on high stools and try.
Here it would be convenient to make a two-level counter: on the one hand, you will get a bar counter in its pure form, high, as it should be, and on the other, a dining table of a regular height, maybe a little narrower than we are used to.
This option would be ideal if it could be implemented.
But in a small kitchen, this is very difficult to do.
Is it possible to combine a bar counter with a dining table in the kitchen
A bar counter located along a wall or window sill can be successfully interpreted as a dining table. This is a great option for a small kitchen, and in the case of a window sill, the surface is large, almost the same as a familiar table. Access to it is one-way, but you quickly get used to this inconvenience.
If we are talking about alignment, then most often the work surface smoothly passes into the rack. At the same time, since it takes up space from wall to wall, it is necessary to attach the rack in the form of the letters “G” or “P”, in the same plane.
What size should the bar counter be? fit a chair for yourself.
If the counter is two-level, then the second level, which acts as a dining table, is 90 cm. The counter, which is a continuation of the working surface, has the same height. In this case, bar stools up to 60 cm go to it.
The width of the countertop at the counter should not be less than 30 cm, 50-60 cm is considered optimal. The length is calculated according to the standard: 60 cm is allotted per person.
5 do-it-yourself bar counter options - INMYROOM
A couple of decades ago, many saw a bar counter only in special establishments (cafes, restaurants). But today everyone self-respected owner, when renovating the kitchen, he simply has to think about building a bar in the kitchen.
This article will focus on methods that help make the bar your own hands, using any materials to your taste. Besides, we will tell you about the main parts of the design, and what you should pay attention to, to make your bar counter original and functional.
Benefits
Using a minibar in your home - this is not only an original design move. A similar idea, having positive qualities, thereby helping you solve a number of problems:
No. 1. Divide the kitchen a place for cooking and a dining room, that is, a place where you will have lunch;
No.
2. In studio apartments the rack can be a conditional section between the kitchen and the hallway. And if you pick colors correctly, you won’t even need to tell guests about the existence borders;
No. 3. table alternative, in apartments with small kitchens. It is also beneficial if the apartment does not live more than 2 people;
No. 4. Inviting friends over you will surely impress them. After all, this is a real decoration. kitchens. Look at the bars with your own hands, the photos of which are presented just below - the interior of you inspire.
Construction types
The main thing to start with is project development. Any construction plan should be based on the type designs. There are two main elements - a tabletop and a base. But their size and the shape depends on many factors: the amount of free space, functions, place to be placed indoors. Based on this, it is worth mentioning basic design options.
Separate bar outside the kitchen
This is a great idea for those whom a large living space.
You can make a bar separately from the kitchen, with square counter (you can round the corners) with an open place for entry "bartender", stand height 1.3 meters, on the reverse side to place several chairs with high legs for guests. Cabinets can be hung above the structure for drinks and dishes, but there is an option to make the rack itself consisting of open niches, and put some dishes on them. Also can be done at the bar separate sink for washing dishes.
"Monoblock"
This design is a design that sits on a square base. You can build drawers into it (or shelves) for drinks and dishes. Usually close to a rectangular shape is only the base, but the countertop can be made in any shape.
"With pipe"
Very popular design style. The main support is the "pipe" - metal a pole that “pierces” the rack through and through from ceiling to floor. On the other side - also two pipe legs that rest against the rack. Design type is perfect suitable for small spaces.
Stop point
One leg is made, and the other side rests against the wall, table or windowsill. For this option, it is necessary to take into account the color structure that will serve as a support. But it's not so much technical. the problem, how much of a design one, can often be solved already at the final stage.
Stacked
This type of construction is often combined with one of the above. The main feature is the presence of several level table. After deciding on type of construction, it is necessary to set the height of the rack. On average, a classic bar counter for the kitchen should be 0.9-1.1 meters, however, it will be normal if you allow deviations "under myself". After all, this is your home, and first of all, it should be convenient for you. Also you should decide whether there will be chairs and how many are needed. The main thing is they should be on high legs, as well as aesthetically combined with the rack.
Material selection
After decided on the type of construction, you should proceed to the choice of material.
Bar The rack consists of two parts: a tabletop and a base. There are designers who It is recommended that both elements be made from the same material. However, there are many examples when a do-it-yourself bar counter was made from several different The main materials for manufacturing can be Chipboard, drywall, wood, brick or stone. Most craftsmen prefer make bar counters for the kitchen from chipboard, primarily because of the low cost.
The advantage of this worktop is the simplicity of working with the material, as well as the ability to choose any coloring. However, the downside is that chipboard is poorly resistant to moisture, and in the kitchen it can become a problem. The stone looks more solid, however, it is expensive, and sometimes technically complex material. The complexity of the tree is that it requires special skills. A bar counter made of bricks, due to its severity, will become an impossible project for houses with wooden floors.
In addition, when creating a rack from chipboard you will need metal structures for the frame.
You can also use special overhead corners and glass. Think before choosing a material not only about the price, but also about the quality, because the kitchen is a specific place, which requires resistance to temperature, moisture, as well as to mechanical injuries (cuts, bumps).
Do it yourself
After we have developed project, choose the type of construction, and also decided on the main building material, you can proceed to implementation of the project.
Tools
Direct tool selection depends on the material you are going to work with. Definitely needed have with you:
- level;
- rotary hammer;
- screwdriver;
- sealant;
- paints and materials, to work with it (brushes, roller).
Other tools are required if working:
With wood:
- blocks, trimmed and prepared board, plinth;
- self-tapping screws;
- screwdriver.
- clear
With stone:
- matched stone;
- cement.
This is not a complete list as your design may be so special that there will be a need for additional tools. Now let's take a closer look at the individual projects from various materials.
Plasterboard
Many builders are very love this material, because any creative idea with it can be embodied in reality. Bar counter from drywall is created according to the following scheme. To get started, you need to do metal carcass. Remember that its strength will depend structural durability. To make the frame more rigid, the corners should be made from a solid part of the metal, that is, simply bending. For convenience, do cuts with scissors for metal.
Also make the frames of two walls, connecting them with a transverse profile. Profiles can be fixed with cutter. For fastening to the wall and floor, dowels should be used. After complete the frame, be sure to check it for strength.
Now go to the use of drywall. If you planned to make a backlight in the rack, run the cables before laying.
cover the gaps with the use of a mounting grid. Gaps between rack and wall should be sealed with sealant. Then you should paint your creation. If you don't want to use drywall, then there are a number of other materials, but completely from it should not be abandoned. From it you can make shelves, coasters and others. DIY minibar design elements.
Made of wood
Kitchen bar counters made of wood the same scheme as a similar drywall process: first do frame, and then attach the tree. Only in this case your framework will be wooden. Make markings on the floor where the structure will be located. Then fasten the wooden blocks to the floor and wall. Frame sheathing can be done with using MDF sheets.
The worktop must be prepared in advance: polish, make all design points (corners, “waves” on side surface). Before applying varnish, you should process the bar rack with materials to protect against flammability, as well as means for corrosion protection.
Cover the cracks with sealant, then you can varnish.
Made of stone
Do-it-yourself bar counter made of this material is considered the most elite and presentable option. Most experts recommend polished granite. It is resistant to shock, temperature extremes, cuts. For hostesses, a bonus will be the fact that granite very rarely gets dirty. Several bases can be used types of stone, which will make your rack aesthetically appealing. table top may be a different color and even style with a base. To give her finished look, its edges should be covered with a decorative chamfer.
Please note that for working with stone you will need special tools, as well as knowledge and skills, because working with stone is much more difficult than with chipboard. And yet, if the bar counter is made of stone with your own hands - your dream, but at the same time its cost is too high, there is a good alternative - fake diamond.
Lighting and accessories
Another addition to your the bar will be lit.
This is what creates the atmosphere and immediately rushes into eyes. The easiest option is a separate chandelier under the ceiling, above the bar. Not it is worth abandoning this idea because of the seeming banality. Can choose excellent design (besides, thematic) chandelier. Also, this is an option can be combined with another, weaker way of lighting. Do special suspended ceiling and place several lamps of different power in it and level.
Second lighting option there will be a halogen lamp under the table top. But if the main material you stone, you will have to abandon this idea. Truth can be created an additional glass structure, and place a lamp there.
To make your home bar become no worse than in elite restaurants, you should use special dimmers. With their help, you can change the intensity of light.
When the bar counter with your own hands is completed, you should think about it complete set: dishes, coasters, possibly drawings and illustrations. All in all, let your counter become a full-fledged bar.
